Wednesday, February 27, 2013

“It doesn’t matter how you get knocked down in life because that’s gonna happen. All that matters is that you gotta get up.”Ben Affleck, acceptance speech for Argo’s Best Picture Oscar

Ben Affleck is a success story for career resurrection. 15 years ago he won an Oscar for the screenplay for Good Will Hunting co-written with his friend Matt Damon. And then after appearing in lead roles in popular hits such as Armageddon and Pearl Harbor he ended up caught in a global media frenzy with his relationship with Jennifer Lopez. Their box-office bomb Gigli and other incidents would also produce negative press and public opinion about Affleck. However he would persevere, pick himself up and re-invent himself as a top Hollywood director.

The dramatic thriller Argo is based on the true story of CIA operative Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) who led the rescue of six U.S. diplomats from Iran during the 1979 hostage crisis. Mendez’s solution came with the help from Hollywood in which a fake movie called Argo was developed to give the hostages a cover story as film-makers scouting locations in Iran.

This film inspires on many levels for staying positive when faced with impossible situations. And since Affleck was also director, co-producer and star of the Oscar winning movie it now serves as evidence that career resurrection is possible. Just like his character Mendez, Affleck demonstrated indestructible optimism in a situation that appeared hopeless.

If you are going through career challenges or a hopeless situation be inspired to know that when you feel knocked down do your best to get back up. You get to choose your attitude so choose to be positive and proactive. There are many examples of people all around you that have risen to the challenge. Become one of them today!

Sunday, February 24, 2013

“I want to do projects that last longer than an opening weekend… I want to make things that people remember.”
George Clooney

It is interesting to see that the business side of Hollywood judges the success of a film based on opening weekend sales. It makes sense that a movie made for millions of dollars are expected to make its money back and more but I personally see films as successful if they can be entertaining AND inspiring over years of repeat viewings.

One of the highest grossing films of 2012 was The Avengers bringing in $1.2 billion worldwide and yet was not nominated for Best Picture at the 85th Academy Awards. Then there are lower grossing films predicted to win Best Picture such as Lincoln ($235 million) and Argo ($204 million). So in the end what is the definition of a successful movie to you?

Here’s one example of a film I’ve enjoyed many times despite problems I had with the script, certain characters and an unsatisfying ending…

The science fiction film Prometheus is director Ridley Scott’s prequel to the events that occurred in his highly successful 1979 film Alien. The story is set in the late 21st Century where the crew of the spaceship Prometheus travels to a distant planet to discover the originals of humanity. Once there they encounter deadly aliens that first infiltrate a human host and gestate within.

Why do I classify this film as successful if I had problems with the script, characters and an unsatisfying ending? It is simply because I loved the visual texture of the film and the stunning scenes filled with cool technologies and spaceships. It stimulates my imagination every time I see this movie. It may not have come close to being nominated for Best Picture but in my mind it is a winner for the entertainment value.

In 2012 there were several box-office bombs that I thoroughly enjoyed and have already seen many times such as Big Miracle, John Carter, Cloud Atlas and Rise of the Guardians. And despite it’s classification as failures and the overwhelming negative reviews I still define these films as a success because they are entertaining AND helped motivate me to make my life better in some way.

It comes down to personal taste and an emotional connection that can define the success of a film. Let your own heart and mind decide what success is for you whether it be a film or something in your life and career. Feel what success means to you and celebrate that feeling today!

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Sometimes it is hard to feel we can attain big dreams because when we see superstars like successful actors, musicians or athletes they seem beyond human. Sometimes these celebrities project such a fantastic image that it seems unreal or not attainable in your own life. And yet they are human. And if you can change your mindset they can inspire you to envision an exciting life and career for yourself!

Beyoncé: Life Is But a Dream (2013)

The HBO documentary Beyoncé: Life Is But a Dream is a look into the personal life and music of singer Beyoncé Knowles. This film features exciting concert footage as well as very personal videos she took during difficult times such as a miscarriage and hiding her pregnancy from the public. Beyoncé reveals a very down-to-earth human side to herself throughout the documentary. See: movie trailer

Beyoncé shows a very strong, resilient personality as she learned how to stand her ground for her artistry and career decisions with her father and other people around her. Her famous husband Jay-Z also feels so down-to-earth as home videos show them dressed down together and expressing a very loving relationship. Beyoncé also shares many inspiring and empowering quotes in the film such as:“Stop pretending I have it all together. And if I’m scared, be scared, allow it, release it, move on.”“In my hardest moments when I thought what am I doing? I’m not strong enough for this, I can’t get through this, I’m not ready, I just have to say… jump. Because I know I’m going to land in that water and swim back on the boat.”“I believe everything in our life, every person in our life, every relationship, everything is there for a reason. And when you really pay attention they’re certain little clues we get, it’s so crystal clear what the next step is.”“It’s just this puzzle and everything is in its right place. And as we grow we take the next step the dots get connected and we eventually become what we’re suppose to be.”

Documentaries on successful superstars and celebrities can inspire us when they reveal a down-to-earth side to themselves. It can help your mindset embrace the idea that you too can achieve fantastic goals and very big dreams. Dream big today knowing that big success is possible for you!

EMMANUEL’S NEW BOOK NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Nostalgia: A sentimental longing for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations.

I always receive great comfort from listening to my favourite music from the 70’s like the Electric Light Orchestra. Maybe it’s because it reminds me of simpler times in my childhood and is also my “sonic tonic” for making me feel good when I need it. Listening to music we grew up with can activate nostalgic feelings and lift us up.

There is a movie that has finally been released that I originally saw two years ago at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival that demonstrates the power of nostalgia. I wanted to write about this amazing documentary back then but readers would not have been able to see. Now you can!

The documentary Paul Williams Still Alive is about legendary songwriter and 70’s icon Paul Williams as well as the nostalgia of the 70’s. Writer and director Stephen Kessler actually becomes part of this story after he discovers Williams is still alive and still performing his popular songs like “Rainbow Connection” from The Muppet Movie and Oscar winning “Evergreen” from A Star is Born. And there were other songs made famous by Helen Reddy, David Bowie and The Carpenters. See: movie trailer

I felt a surge of nostalgia fill my spirit as I watched this documentary overflowing with images and songs I remembered watching on TV as a child. Williams was also an actor and frequent guest on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and many other talks shows and game shows. I wasn’t a fan of Williams back then and yet I’ve now discovered him as the creator of such great and lasting music. The documentary also inspires because Williams showed resilience and perseverance during difficult times.

If you have a favourite song list full of music from times you grew up with then see it as your personal re-energizing resource. See it as a sonic tonic that will activate nostalgic feelings and will lift your spirits when you need it. And celebrate the people responsible for creating music that is meaningful to you today! They have actually contributed to your well-being time and time again!

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

With Valentine’s Day arriving tomorrow I wanted to share something very personal and appropriate that may be what you need to hear right now. For over a year and through the weekly guidance of my business coach and wellness coach I have been in a Life Detox program that includes the development of:

My profound discovery is that all these diverse studies led to one key factor: Loving Yourself. As I learned to love myself more my life began to alter in miraculous ways. I was feeling more deserving and worthy of what I wanted in life that were not previously manifesting. This is how I met a key person who gave me a ticket to the world premiere I really wanted to attend of Cloud Atlas back in September 2012 (see tip#578). And it’s how I synchronistically connected with loving people who quickly helped me publish my first book in December 2012 after 5 years of struggle with the book (see tip#610).

There are many more inspiring examples I have documented with my coaches and will share more on this blog and my speaker presentations. For now I wanted to share the most amazing and moving scene in a film that demonstrates the key importance of self-love.

The French fantasy and romantic drama Angel-A is about Andre (Jamel Debbouze) who just returned to Paris hoping to change his life and stop his petty crimes. He soon meets a beautiful and mysterious woman named Angela (Rie Rasmussen) who pledges her life to do everything she can to help him. To his surprise she helps him in the most unexpected and meaningful way.

Without explaining anymore I highly recommend you see this clip from the movie. If you are moved by it then identify what the scene is saying to you. What thoughts or feelings come up for you? Is this scene mirroring something for you?Click here or view below...

Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” And he is right. If you want your external world to improve then your relationship with your inner world is where your focus is needed. Learning to love yourself more will be a new journey for you that will take time and courage. Just know that there will be loving, supportive people AND inspiring movies there to help along the way!

Sunday, February 10, 2013

I just had a massive realization that inspired me to the core of my soul! I recently went to visit my business coach and friend Patrick Bizindavyi at his home and remembered just under two years ago seeing affirmations taped to his walls of what he wanted to manifest. He was single at the time and one of his dreams was to have a family. Well now I sat there in the same home and he had a beautiful baby girl in his arms and a loving wife in the next room!

I was in joyful awe as I made his 7 month old daughter laugh with my baby voices! This was just another amazing reminder that affirmations do work and that along with having unshakeable faith any dream or goal will eventually come true. That’s why it’s important to surround yourself every day with positive statements.

The romantic comedy How Do You Know is about a love triangle of characters that help each other through difficult times. Lisa (Reese Witherspoon) is a popular softball player suddenly cut from the Team USA roster while George (Paul Rudd) is an executive targeted in a federal criminal investigation. Throughout the film these characters demonstrate personal development methods and tips which is why I enjoy this film so much. And they are all very self-aware.

There is a scene where Lisa is getting emotional over being cut from the team and she is in front of her bathroom mirror. It is covered with motivational affirmations and you soon see that she is already a resilient person. The dialogue throughout is also filled with statements that can be used as affirmations and motivational quotes. For example…

“Don’t judge anybody else until you check yourself out. That way you’re lucky if it’s your fault because then you can correct the situation.”“Never drink to feel better. Only drink to feel even better.”“Courage is mastery of fear, not absence of fear.”“Obstacles are what you see when you lose sight of your goal.”“Figure out what you want and learn how to ask for it.”“Don’t do anything half way unless you’re willing to be half happy.”“Picture a very angry ocean, a storm and I’m on this little, tiny boat and miraculously this boat is still afloat.”“You sure haven’t let anything take your spirit.”“I don’t know that I’ll do great but I know I can do better!”“I think the answer to what you’re talking about is to stop talking. Deny a voice to the thing that’s falling apart.”“When you’re in something you’ve gotta give it everything you have or else what are you doing?”“We are all just one small adjustment away from making our lives work.”

Daily affirmations are key to moving you forward from challenging times. It helps transform a negative mindset into a proactive mindset. Your personal growth depends on how often you focus on the positive thoughts and statements of what you want to manifest or achieve in your life. Do this right now! Surround yourself with positive affirmations today!

Wednesday, February 06, 2013

I am always amazed when I see an actor reveal an unexpected talent of theirs like Wolverine actor Hugh Jackman sing and dance while hosting the 81st Academy Awards. And there’s Gwyneth Paltrow showing off her sultry singing voice in the film Duets. I was also wowed by Anna Kendrick in Pitch Perfect when she performed the “cup song” (you just have to see it!).

The list goes on and on (hello Anne Hathaway). And I guess I am man enough to admit that my latest discovery was seeing actor Channing Tatum shake his butt real good in Magic Mike! See: movie trailer

The comedy-drama Magic Mike is about Mike Lane (Channing Tatum) who introduces nineteen-year-old Adam (Alex Pettyfer) to his world of male stripping in Tampa Florida. Adam learns he has this unexpected gift for dancing and stripping and quickly joins Mike at the Xquisite Strip Club owned by Dallas (Matthew McConaughey). The story and characters were all fun and engaging and the dancing was great, especially Tatum.

The film is loosely based on the experiences of Tatum, who was an eighteen-year-old stripper before he made it big as a Hollywood actor. I first saw him in G.I. Joe: Retaliation and then was amazed at his comedic abilities in the reboot of 21 Jump Street. And now seeing his other talents as a dancer inspires me to say that this can be an inspiration to you for developing more than one skill you may have.

We all have hidden gifts, skills and talents. Be inspired by real-life examples of individuals who demonstrated their multiple talents to the world. Your hidden talents can also be skills that come so natural and easy to you that you may not realize someone would want to pay you for that skill! Today do your best to become aware at how good you are at something you can then label as YOUR talent!

EMMANUEL’S NEW BOOK NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Difficult Times”
Read the Introduction and Chapter 1 now: Click here

Sunday, February 03, 2013

I feel extremely grateful to be connected with some talented and very supportive speakers, life coaches and business coaches because we all help each other stay positive and pro-active. We all get stuck once in awhile and yet we can still shine when empowering one another with specific skill sets and talents.

Everyone needs motivation sometimes so it is important to have supportive relationships to keep moving you forward.

Wreck-It Ralph (2012)

The 3D animated film Wreck-It Ralph is about a video game villain named Wreck-It Ralph (John C. Reilly) who wants to be a hero instead of the bad guy for a change. His quest brings havoc to his arcade game world as well as the other video games he enters. There are several colourful worlds Ralph visits such as a Sci Fi war themed game, Hero’s Duty and a kart-racing game called Sugar Rush where he meets Vanellope (Sarah Silverman) who also dreams of being more then what she is.

There are so many wonderful life lessons for young and old in this highly entertaining and imaginative film. Striving to be more than what you are is a big one and this can be inspiring if you are exploring new career options or unhappy with your current job. Teamwork is another factor for achieving goals and you’ll see how Ralph and Vanellope and other characters help each other with their own unique skills and gifts.

Other motivational themes:
• Self-worth and purpose
• Following a passion and vision
• Resilience and perseverance
• Teamwork

When you have a vision to be more than what you are now it is important to cultivate other individuals with talents that can support you. You, in turn, can help them with their own goals. Your road towards your vision can be fun and enjoyable as long as you surround yourself with amazing, supportive people!

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About Me

Emmanuel Lopez aka Motivatorman is a Motivational Speaker and an award-winning Blogger & Illustrator working with organizations to inspire RESILIENCE & INDESTRUCTIBLE OPTIMISM for DEPRESSION, MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS through the power of movies. He has been featured in The NEW YORK TIMES, The WASHINGTON POST and The GLOBE & MAIL.
Speaker Clients: TD Canada Trust, Investors Group, The Art Institute of Boston and Royal Ontario Museum.
For info on speaker bookings see: www.motivatorman.com